The Farm’s History
Meadowland Farm is one of Dutchess County’s historical homestead farms, dating back from the 1790s. From the mid-19th century until 1997, the property was owned by multiple generations of a single family. The Quaker owned property served as a stop on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.
Originally, a wide array of farming activities were conducted, as the early owners strove for self-sufficiency. As time went by, more specialized agricultural production was pursued. By the 1950s, Meadowland Farm was principally engaged in dairy production. The Kraushaars purchased the 134-acre property in 1997, and have since returned the farm to its traditionally diversified activities, which encompass growing a large variety of fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats and chickens.
Who We Are
Judah & Michele, Owners of Meadowland Farm
Nearly 30 years ago, with three small children in tow, we drove to the Hudson Valley in search of a small "starter farm" where we could have a garden a bit larger than our suburban backyard.
As fate would have it, the first showing was Meadowland Farm; and, despite its daunting 100+ acre size, we fell head over heels in love with this wonderful (if somewhat run-down) little corner of the universe. Over the next 5 years, we renovated the barns, farm structures, and roadside stand, planted a fruit orchard, began a vegetable growing operation, built a chicken coop and started to learn all we could about farming, farm equipment and animal husbandry. To date, we continue to meet neighbors and visitors at our roadside farm stand and realize, with great pride, that the farm has been reborn, reinvigorated as an asset to the wonderful town of Clinton Corners and the greater Dutchess County community.
Through it all, Meadowland Farm has been filled with wonderful memories. It is a place of great natural beauty with friendly animals adored by all, including our children and grandchildren. For farmers-in-training, grandkids Ezra, Amaia, Miles, Isaac, and Wren, we have high hopes that our love of the land will inspire them to carry the Meadowland Farm legacy far into the future.
We look forward to seeing you at the farm. Our welcoming committee, donkeys Webster and Chauncey, will be there to greet you!
